Our prediction for this Netherlands Eredivisie match:
AZ
Match Time & Date:
24/10/2021
12:15
Prediction: 2-2
Utrecht
AZ Alkmaar and Utrecht face each other in a highly-anticipated Eredivisie clash at AFAS Stadion. AZ are eyeing their third consecutive league win, and they are likely to stick to their attacking style of play. You should know that the Cheese Farmers scored eleven goals in total in the previous four league fixtures. Utrecht, on the other hand, have been in a splendid form of late.
Following back-to-back wins over NEC (3-0) and Zwolle (5-1), the Cathedral citizens did well to shock Ajax in Amsterdam before the international break. Considering that Utrecht are high on spirits ahead of the trip to Alkmaar, we are tempted to put our money on over 2.5 goals. Midfielder Ernest Poku is rated doubtful for the hosts, while Simon Gustafson is out of contention for the visiting team. Both Christopher Mamengi and Tommy St. Jago could play some part in Sunday’s clash.
Highlighted Player (Jordy Clasie):
Jordy Clasie is a product of the Feyenoord youth academy who plays for AZ Alkmaar as a midfielder. His main position is defensive midfield, but he is capable of producing fine displays as both central midfielder and centre-back as well.
Clasie played for the likes of Feyenoord, Excelsior (loan), Southampton, and Club Brugge (loan) before returning to Rotterdam. After ending his second spell with Feyenoord, the Dutch footballer joined AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2019. He made his AZ debut in the Eredivisie on August 4, 2019 in a 4-0 win over Fortuna Sittard.
Jordie Clasie has 12 caps with the Netherlands U21 team, and he made his senior debut in a 1-1 draw with Italy on February 6, 2013. Thanks to his elegant style of play, Clasie has earned the nickname of “Dutch Xavi”. The AZ Alkmaar midfielder was born in Haarlem, Netherlands on June 27, 1991.
Highlighted Team (Utrecht):
Established on July 1, 1970, Utrecht is a Dutch club that competes in the Eredivisie. The club was founded as a merger of VV DOS, USV Elinkwijk, and Velox, and it has to be noted that VV DOS did well to win the Eredivisie trophy back in 1958.
Utrecht, on the other hand, have yet to win the national championship, but they have lifted three KNVB Cup trophies (1984/85, 2002/03, 2003/04). Leo van Veen is leading the club’s all-time goal-scoring chart with 153 goals. Speaking of the club’s colours, they were white and red shirts when playing at home, while blue is the dominant colour of their away jersey.
Due to the hooligan clashes, Utrecht have a rivalry with Dutch giants Ajax. The games between the two clubs have always been very tense on the field. Utrecht welcome their rivals at Stadion Galgenwaard, the venue which can hold up to 23,750 people. The stadium was opened back in May 1936.
